Our theme for this month is… cocktails! The perfect scented summer pick-me-up to bring a joyous, party-like vibe, so many perfumes are inspired by classic cocktails – sometimes overtly influenced by them (under the influence?) or simply using fragrant ingredients that strongly remind us of our favourites.
First cocktail inspo up: MOJITO!
Made using fresh mint, muddled limes, sugar syrup and white rum, a Mojito is mixed using crushed ice to form a long, refreshing, and gorgeously summery cocktail. It also happens to be the recipe for some truly fabulous fragrances. We highly recommend packing the following scents for forthcoming holidays or, if you’re not able to get away just yet, floating around in your garden with your largest pair of sunglasses, a kaftan, a tall glass of Mojito and wafting one of these…
Rum: Initio Side Effect
From the very first spritz, the rich, dark, and heady aroma of rum envelopes the senses, evoking a sense of mystery and allure. This fragrance masterfully balances the warmth and sweetness of rum with an undercurrent of smoky tobacco, creating a deeply sensual experience. The rum note is not just a fleeting top note but lingers, mingling with vanilla and cinnamon, adding layers of complexity and depth.
£185 for 50ml eau de parfum selfridges.com
Lime juice: Coach Blue
A burst of invigorating freshness, the opening fizz of lime revives the senses immediately with a splash of aromatic absinthe swirled through the citrus. Whoosh! Now we’re diving into cool, crystal clear blue water, salty laps enlivened by the warmth black pepper before we climb out and rub down with a warm fluffy base of dry cedarwood and the welcome glow of amber. Lacking energy? This scent will get you going!
£33 for 40ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com
Sugar: D’OTTO 7+1
This is like wearing a fragrant cocktail crafted with the finest ingredients, offering a sweet yet still ultimately refreshing experience, being so beautifully balanced. The raspberry is piquant, warmed by saffron yet cooled by cardamom, and the rich seam of sandalwood and cedar melts into supple leather. What we love best is the way the spun sugar accord harmonises – akin to the sugar rim on a cocktail glass. Delish!
£295 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com
Mint: Diptyque Eau de Menthe
Evokings the refreshing experience of sipping a mojito on a sunlit patio, the Oregon mint leaves are freshly crushed, the icy cool complemented by nutmeg’s warmth, akin to the cocktail’s subtle sweetness. As it settles, notes of geranium and patchouli emerge, providing a grounding earthiness that mirrors the cocktail’s complexity. This scent captures the invigorating spirit of summer – an aromatically soul-reviving joy to wear.
£153 for 75ml eau de parfum diptyque.com
Soda water: Wales Perfumery Coast
Opening with an effervescent burst of lemon, mandarin, bergamot, and lime, the lively top notes are accompanied by the salty tang of fresh seaweed and an ozonic accord. Just as soda water enhances a cocktail’s flavours without overpowering them, Coast provides a light, refreshing backdrop that elevates the wearer’s presence, making it perfect for any occasion – especially gorgeous to wear on a baking hot day!
£54 for 30ml eau de parfum walesperfumery.com
Written by Suzy Nightingale